102 THE VETERINARY SCIENCE 



4. The Examination. 



A thorough acquaintance with the history of the case 

 obtain in a similar manner to that outline will be sufficient 

 to direct you to the proper organs requiring careful examin- 

 ation. 



Try the pulse. It is conveniently and generally taken 

 upon the small artery crossing on the under side of the jaw 

 about the middle. Your own pulse may be felt at about the 

 same position on your own jaw. When in good health the 

 pulse of a horse ranges from 38 to 40 beats per minute, or 

 in other words, the heart beats at this rate. The serious 

 nature of the disease in a general sense is determined by the 

 degree in which the pulse varies from this what may be 

 termed standard rate. It may be faster or slower, regular or 

 irregular. The case is very serious should the pulse run as 

 high as 100 or be irregular. An irregular pulse may beat 

 fast for two, three or four beats, then slow, etc. 



The Temperature is another very important matter for 

 consideration. This is obtained with a fever thermometer 

 which may be had from any reliable dealer in medical in- 

 struments. After seeing that the mercury is not in sections 

 or out of place in the tube (this sometimes happens while 

 carrying the thermometer in the pocket or in a case. See, too, 

 that the mercury is down to 99° or lower) place it in the 

 anus and allow it to remain for five minutes. Should the 

 temperature be 102° to 104° the case would be considered 

 ordinary, but should it run from 105° to 107° the case would 

 be considered quite serious. 



